Infinite Loop —

Space, the final frontier… for iPods

What do astronauts use to rock out in space? iPods, of course!

ABC News this weekend posted an article about some of the lesser known facts about "living in space." One of the items of note are that iPods are popular with the Space Shuttle crew.

What's that on the dash of the Endeavor?

Turns out iPods are a great space-saving replacement for portable CD players and scads of CDs. The iPods have to be modified to use space flight-approved alkaline AA batteries, though. Li-ion batteries are currently not approved for space, surely due to the possible safety issues with Li-ion batteries; the last thing Apple needs is PR about an iPod exploding on the Space Shuttle. But at least Shuttle astronauts can use iPods at all—they aren't approved for use on the International Space Station.

We were unable to receive confirmation at press time, but due to the cramped quarters, it's likely that crew members are not allowed to "rock out with their cocks out."